DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Thursday, September 16, 2027
DAY 1: Friday, September 17, 2027
Stresa
Late Morning: Arrival at Milan International Airport and transfer to Stresa on your own (transfers or shared transfers can be arranged separately).
The enchanting town of Stresa is the principal town of Lake Maggiore, a beautiful alpine lake in northern Italy, where clear waters, charming islands, and elegant lakeside towns meet dramatic mountain scenery. Less known and less crowded than the larger Italian lakes, it preserves a quieter, more timeless atmosphere, allowing you to experience its natural beauty much as it has been enjoyed through the centuries.
Check-in to your first-class hotel, your home for the next three nights from where we’ll explore the secret treasures of the Lake Maggiore.
Afternoon: Enjoy an orientation walk of Stresa, a famous 19th century resort with many artisanal shops, palazzi and a beautiful lakefront promenade with glorious views of the lake and islands.
Evening: Welcome reception on the hotel rooftop, offering beautiful views of the Alps.
DAY 2: Saturday, September 18, 2027
Lake Maggiore
Morning: From our base in Stresa, we set out for a full day on the waters of Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s most captivating lakes and the second largest in the country. Framed by the foothills of the Alps, the lake is known for its striking contrasts, where dramatic mountain views meet elegant villas, lush gardens, and quiet stretches of nearly untouched shoreline.
We will cruise to the celebrated Borromean Islands, a private archipelago owned for centuries by the Borromeo family. With our licensed local guide, we will enjoy a guided walking experience across all three islands. Isola Madre (Mother Island), the largest, is renowned for its serene botanical gardens and graceful atmosphere. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, with its ornate palace and terraced gardens rising above the lake in a spectacular display of design and symmetry.
Afternoon: We will also visit Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), the only permanently inhabited island, where narrow lanes and traditional stone houses preserve the charm of a working fishing village. Here we will pause for a leisurely lunch, a particularly special experience, enjoying the relaxed lakeside ambiance and authentic local cuisine in one of the most picturesque settings on the lake.
After lunch and our island visits, we return to Stresa. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax, enjoy a lakeside stroll, or explore the boutiques and cafés of town at your own pace.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 3: Sunday, September 19, 2027
Lake Orta & Monte Sacro di Orta
Morning: Visit to Sacro Monte di Orta, one of Italy’s oldest Sacred Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This hilltop sanctuary features beautifully preserved chapels, each filled with remarkable life size terracotta figures illustrating scenes from the New Testament.
Afternoon: Free time to explore the charming lakeside village of Orta San Giulio, located on the shores of Lake Orta, with beautiful views of the nearby Island of San Giulio. Afterwards, enjoy a short boat ride to the enchanting island itself, home to an ancient Benedictine monastery and a serene atmosphere steeped in history and spirituality.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 4: Monday, September 20, 2027
Stresa, Bellagio & Lake Como
Morning: Departure for Lake Como. Set in the foothills of the Alps and shaped like a fjord, the lake is framed by dramatic mountains that slope down to its shimmering shoreline, making it one of the most scenic of the Italian lakes. Renowned for its elegant atmosphere and timeless charm, Lake Como combines refined lakeside beauty with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
En route to Bellagio, we will stop in the city of Como for a guided walking tour. Highlights include the impressive cathedral, the historic town hall, and the picturesque lakefront promenade, offering a perfect introduction to the region’s relaxed elegance and lakeside lifestyle.
Afternoon: Free time for lunch and shopping in Como. We then continue to Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como,” a graceful and romantic village known for its cobbled lanes, elegant villas, terraced gardens, and sweeping panoramic views where the two branches of the lake meet.
Check-in for three nights at your first-class Bellagio hotel.
Evening: Group dinner at the hotel’s lovely restaurant.
DAY 5: Tuesday, September 21, 2027
Bellagio & Lake Como
Morning: Departure by private boat across the sparkling waters of Lake Como toward the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, one of the most iconic estates on the lake. The journey itself is part of the experience, gliding across calm blue water framed by dramatic mountains, elegant villas, and charming lakeside villages, creating a sense of timeless beauty and quiet luxury that only Lake Como can offer. Arriving by water adds a truly special perspective as the villa slowly appears on the tip of its wooded peninsula, surrounded by lush greenery and perfectly manicured terraces that seem to float between lake and sky. Villa del Balbianello is celebrated for its romantic atmosphere, graceful architecture, and extraordinary terraced gardens that open onto sweeping lake views. It is a destination that feels intimate, inspiring, and unforgettable, offering visitors a rare glimpse into one of Lake Como’s most refined treasures.
Afternoon: After visiting Villa del Balbianello by private boat, we will continue with a relaxing lunch stop at a charming lakeside restaurant set directly along the water’s edge in the picturesque village of Lenno. Located in one of the most beautiful and peaceful corners of Lake Como, this inviting spot enjoys an enviable position right on the shoreline, where tables are just steps from the lake.
After lunch, we return to Bellagio, where you will have time to explore at your own pace. And enjoy the charming boutiques and local shopping.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 6: Wednesday, September 22, 2027
Bellagio & Lake Como
Morning: Depart by private boat across the sparkling waters of Lake Como to the magnificent Villa Carlotta. Set on the shoreline in a truly privileged position, this historic villa is celebrated for its spectacular botanical gardens, refined interiors, and remarkable art collection. Stroll through terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and sculpted greenery, while enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Villa Carlotta offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and timeless elegance that captures the very essence of Lake Como.
Afternoon: Return by boat to Bellagio and group lunch in Bellagio. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own.
Optional visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi. Here you can enjoy its elegant landscaped grounds, serene lakeside paths, and sweeping views across Lake Como, all set within a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 7: Thursday, September 23, 2027
Lake Como & Verona
Morning: Departure from Lake Como to Verona with en route visit to Bergamo. Our expert local guide will lead you on a walking tour of the old upper town of Bergamo known as Citta’ Alta, a completely intact walled city with one of the most beautiful main squares in all of Italy, Piazza Vecchia, surrounded by a breathtaking collection of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Free time for lunch in Bergamo. After lunch departure for Verona.
Afternoon: Check-in for three nights at our centrally located five-star hotel in Verona.
Orientation walk through the historic center of Verona, a beautifully preserved city renowned for its Roman heritage, elegant piazzas, charming medieval streets, and romantic atmosphere. As we stroll through the heart of Verona, we’ll discover its lively squares, historic landmarks, and timeless character that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 8: Friday, September 24, 2027
Lake Garda
Morning: Departure from Verona to the charming lakeside town of Lazise on the shores of Lake Garda. Enjoy a guided walking tour through Lazise’s picturesque historic center, known for its medieval walls, colorful harbor, cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Afternoon: Group lunch at the renowned local restaurant, beautifully set directly on the water in an unforgettable location.
After lunch, there will be the possibility of visiting a local winery to discover the wines and traditions of the Lake Garda region before returning to Verona.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 9: Saturday, September 25, 2027
Verona
Morning: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center of Verona, one of Italy’s most elegant and romantic cities. Discover its beautifully preserved Roman and medieval heritage, charming piazzas, and lively streets, including a visit to the iconic Arena di Verona, the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater that still hosts world-famous performances today.
Afternoon: Time at leisure to relax and further explore Verona at your own pace, perhaps enjoying its cafés, boutique shops, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this timeless city.
Evening: Depart for a visit to a prestigious local winery set among the rolling vineyards of the Verona countryside, renowned for its production of Amarone and other fine Valpolicella wines. Enjoy a guided introduction to the estate, learning about traditional winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of the region. The experience concludes with an aperitivo followed by a memorable farewell dinner in a beautiful wine estate setting, surrounded by vineyards and the gentle hills of Veneto.
DAY 10: Sunday, September 26, 2027
End of Tour
Morning: Private transfer to the Venice or Milan airports (to be arranged separately).
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Please Note: You must be in good physical condition to sign up for this trip. Though this is not considered a physically challenging trip, there is a considerable amount of walking uphill and downhill, walking over uneven pavement, standing for extended periods of time, and getting on and off several boats throughout the tour.
